Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

A Promise of Fire was the type of fantasy book that I love! The main character, Cat, had spunk and by the time I finished the first chapter I knew I was going to enjoy this book. She was the type of confident and witty character that I love to read about, and would face anything head on. Pair her up with Griffin, a powerful and over bearing warlord and it was entertainment plus from cover to cover, as they travel the lands, face dangerous situations and cheat death numerous times. It was also the banter and the growing sexual tension that kept me hooked too, as Cat tried to deny her feelings because of her past, but Griffin was not one to step down from a challenge.

Cat lived a quiet life travelling with the circus working as a clairvoyant. I soon discovered that she was the Kingmaker, which was why she escaped from her mother and Fisa eight years ago. I loved seeing her use her powers such as invisibility and how she can tell that if a person was lying, but she can do so much more! She was very reluctant to step into the spotlight, because she had endured so much while she was in Fisa and will do anything to prevent being captured by her mother once again.

Griffin took an interest in Cat and believed she would be the person to help his new kingdom. Cat pushed his buttons at every turn and I loved seeing these two bicker! Although Cat tried to maintain her distance because of the prophecy, she began to soften to Griffin and his Beta team, and helped them when needed. The sexual tension built gradually throughout the story and Griffin made no secret about his feelings for Cat, but she was determined not to give in to him.

This was Amanda Bouchet's first novel, and she delivered this book perfectly with the right mix of fantasy, action, romance and Greek mythology. I loved how the God's had an impact on how the story unfolded and how they brought Cat and Griffin together. The story is far from over and I look forward to see how the prophecy unfolds and what will come in the future!

Two teasers... the first showing a bit of Cat's strong, witty personality. The second, such a big moment for Cat, and a turning point for her and Griffin.

“Good Gods!” the ax-wielder booms. “She has bigger balls than I do.”
Humor ﬂashes in the war1ord’s silver-hued eyes. “Balls don’t necessarily come with brains.”
“Mine do.” If my smile were any more syrupy, my teeth would rot.

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“I won’t try to escape you as long as you live.”
The vow takes hold with a jolt of magic, jarring me. Scaring me.
A look of pure triumph crosses Beta Sinta’s face. “I’ll protect you, Cat. I swear it.”
My heart clenches violently in my chest. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep. It displeases the Gods.”
His deft ﬁngers worktfast, untying the knots. He stuffs the rope into his saddlebag, drags me onto his lap, and then plants his mouth on mine.

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.
A French master’s graduate and former English teacher, Amanda lives in Paris, France. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.